HSA Theatre Presents Contemporary Take on Euripides' THE TROJAN WOMEN, Beginning Tonight

HSA Theatre Alliance presents a contemporary take on the classic Greek tragedy by Euripides, The Trojan Women.

Award-winning director and Harlem School of the Arts Artistic Director Alfred Preisser directs the play, which is scheduled to run Friday through Sunday for four weeks, beginning tonight, February 24, through March 19 at the HSA Theatre, 645 St. Nicholas Avenue, NYC 10030.

Originally set after the fall of the ancient city of Troy, this modern version occurs in the here and now - in a big city much like New York. The Trojan Women, the sole survivors of a ruined community, the spoils of an endless war that has resulted in the extermination of their men, await their fate at the hands of their conquerors. The looming question becomes - which conquering hero will claim them for their inevitable enslavement?

The play has especially deep meaning in the current global landscape, in which civil wars and bitter religious strife continually threaten the liberty and safety of women.

"The most important aspect of what we're doing with this production is engaging teen actors alongside professional actors, and exploring global women's rights issues through the lens of Greek tragedy," said director AlfRed Presser. "It's extremely visceral material. I've been consistently amazed, and deeply moved, by how far and how true the emotional connections are drawn by these young performers in this version of Trojan Women," he added.

Bringing together a technically skilled cast of students and working actors has resulted in some unintended but welcomed surprises that heightens the natural tension expressed in this timeless tragedy.

Tickets for The Trojan Women are currently available by going to hsatrojanwomen.brownpapertickets.com. Ticket prices are: $15 (for groups); $15 (students & seniors); $20 (general admission - advance); and $25 (general admission - door).

About Alfred Preisser

Returning to the HSA family following a previous successful tenure as the department head from 1999 - 2007, Mr. Preisser has directed and produced over fifty professional shows in New York, regionally and in Europe. His work has been recognized with The American Theatre Wing Award, Drama Desk Award, Edwin Booth Award, Lucille Lortel Award and numerous Audelco Awards. His productions of Aint Supposed to Die a Natural Death and Caligula are archived at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and his production of King Lear featuring Andre' De Shields' opened the 75th Anniversary Season of The Folger Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C. As an educator he has taught and guest directed at CCNY in Harlem, The Frederick Douglass Creative Arts Center, and Stella Adler NYU.

About HSA:

In 1964, internationally acclaimed concert soprano Dorothy Maynor, brought a gift to Harlem; her fervent belief that world-class training in the arts stimulates the child, strengthens the family and gives pride of ownership to a community. She opened Harlem School of the Arts in the basement of the St. James Presbyterian Church in Harlem at a time when the community suffered severe physical blight, high levels of poverty, and few cultural resources for its young people. From toddlers to adults, the students who came through its doors developed an invaluable

sense of purpose and focus, whether or not they pursued profession careers in the arts. The school has produced a long and expanding list of talented individuals, who not only have gone on to successful careers arts but across all business fields. Visit www.hsany.org.

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